The Church
1 Chronicles 17:1 says, “Now it came to pass, as David sat in his house, that David said to Nathan the prophet, Lo, I dwell in an house of cedars, but the ark of the covenant of the LORD remaineth under curtains.”
King David told Nathan the prophet about his concerns regarding the condition of the house of God. He must have felt guilty that he lived in luxury while the Lord’s presence symbolized by “the ark of the covenant” is still in a tent (1 Chr 16:1). David believed that God deserves a house that fits His glory and majesty! Our church buildings today don’t have to be adorned with gold and glitters, but what everyone sees when they enter our premises should testify what we believe about God’s glory (1 Chr 22:5), and that we serve the One Who is worthy of our best!
Nathan concurred (v. 2), when David told him about his intentions. However, God has other plans (Isa 55:8); He told Nathan that David should not build Him a “house to dwell in” (v. 3). Nathan humbly obeyed and delivered the Lord’s message to David that it was not him, but one of his sons would be tasked to build God’s house (v. 12). We learn later that God chose Solomon to accomplish His building project (1 Chr 28:6). Nathan had to correct himself in front of the king (v. 15).
One of the great characteristics of godliness is having the ability to admit when we are wrong (Prov 12:1), and be willing to correct ourselves when we know that something needs to be changed! David’s sole purpose was to give the best to God Who has given him everything (Prov 16:2). This should also be the heart’s desire of every redeemed person (Col 3:23)! God is not asking us to repay everything He has done for us. But there should be a cheerful expression within us (2 Cor 9:7), to always give Him the best instead of our leftovers (Deut 15:21). We must exalt, honor, and glorify Him (1 Cor 10:31), regardless of the cost! God bless you!
- Pastor Melito Barrera
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